because life is short ...and God gave us steak

Garlic, Bacon, and Beer Macaroni and Cheese

FIST BUMP!! This is just about one of the most mind-blowing things I have ever made, so I’d get out the fat-pants if I were you. Because you are going to love this.

Garlic, bacon, and beer. Macaroni and cheese. Just let that sink in for a minute. It’s so obvious – why didn’t I think of this ages ago! I made this to go with our fourth of July dinner, along with Whole Grilled Snapper and Grown-up Berry Shortcake, and this creamy mac ‘n cheese just made the whole day …of course, in addition to time with my family, Florida sunshine, fireworks, celebrating the birth of our nation, yada-yada-yada.

Now I have to warn you, this is crazy garlicky and hoppy in an awesome, cheesy, crazy garlicky, cooked-in-beer-sort-of-way. Holy depth of flavor! So you have to commit. You have to go for it and just make this. Just do it. Because it is awesome …Then write me and tell me about it 🙂

In a medium saucepan, heat 3 T butter with the flour over medium heat, whisking until bubbly. Cook 2 minutes. Add the garlic and 1 t thyme, and cook an additional minute. Slowly whisk in the the milk and beer. Heat, stirring constantly, a couple minutes until quite warm but not boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low, add both cheeses, salt, and pepper, and cook, whisking, until smooth. Remove from the heat. Stir in half the bacon.

Cook the macaroni to al dente according to package directions in salted water. Drain and add to the cheese sauce. Transfer to a 2-qt baking dish.

In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add the panko, remaining 1/2 t thyme, and remaining bacon. sprinkle over the macaroni. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Serve garnished with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of barbecue seasoning. Yield: 6-8 servings.

I am so making this! I was just thinking about homemade mac and cheese the other day and this pops up! Thank you Erica!

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

thanks Michelle! Hope you get to try it!

http://www.adishofdailylife.com Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life

It was awesome!

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

Oh thank gawd! I always get nervous when someone tries out a new one 🙂 So glad you liked it!!

Patty

OMG this looks so good. I already have tonight’s dinner in the oven but tomorrow is another day. Thanks for sharing.

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

thank you Patty!

http://www.auntbeesrecipes.com Aunt Bee

This is a seriously wonderful recipe! I can’t wait to try it! <3

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

thanks so much Brandi!!

http://bestoflongislandandcentralflorida.blogspot.com/ Linda

Sounds amazing! I have to make this soon! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

Linda

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

thank you Linda!

http://whoneedsacape.com Lori Who Needs A Cape?

Amazing flavor combination!!! Pinning 🙂

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

thanks so much Lori!

http://onepricklypear.com Anna @ One Prickly Pear

This is all my favourite ingredients combined in one dish! I just wish I had some of this mac & cheese in front of me right about now. Nom nom nom 🙂

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

lol I do too Anna! Thank you!

http://www.thetiptoefairy.com Stephanie Pass

What an awesome twist on mac n cheese! I love the beer idea!

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

🙂 thanks Stephanie!

http://www.culinaryginger.com Janette@culinaryginger

I love new mac and cheese recipes. Adding this one to my list.

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

thank you Janette! Hope you get a chance to try it!

http://saltysweetlife.com Tracey @ Salty Sweet Life

Holy fat pants! This looks awesome, Erica and you have such a way of combining totally sinful ingredients, too! It’s like you’re some kind of Mad Bacon Genius! 🙂

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica (@Erica’s Recipes)

Best. Compliment. Ever. You rock Tracey! Thank you!

http://www.chaosandkiddos.com Katy Blevins

I don’t think this recipe could possibly sound any tastier!! I CANNOT WAIT to try this. It looks/sounds/all around everything awesome amazing!

http://2crochethooks.com Kristina and Millie

What an interesting combo. You had me at bacon, haha. I’m sure my honey would like this one, we’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for linking up to Snickerdoodle Sunday!

http://www.confessionsofacookingdiva.com Julie

Holy Smokes this sounds good. My fiancé would love this. I thought my green chile mac and cheese was the bomb, this might takes its place. My readers would love to see this linked up at my weekly link party on Monday nights at 10:00 est. I know what I’ll be trying this weekend.

I did this recipe for a dinner with friends. Oh god it was delicious! Everyone wanted to take the leftovers to go! 🙂 It was a real success! Thank you!

Kira L

I can’t find the Wispride or Kaukauna cheese spread anywhere. What could I use as a substitution?

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica

Hi Kira! I’m sorry you’re having trouble finding either of those cheeses. They should be in the dairy section of the grocery store in the US, but any spreadable extra sharp cheddar should suffice. I know Cabot and Alouette have versions available. Rondele makes one too, called Pub cheese, that Walmart carries. Are you in the US? Let me know if thesse suggestions help!

Thank you! As good as it sounds! I used Cavatappi then splashed hot sauce on after, I don’t even like Guiness but this made me enjoy it. Yum yum yum!!!

Laura

Have you tried this with the port wine cheese from Wispride?

http://ericasrecipes.com Erica

Hi Laura! I LOVE the port wine Wispride, but I have not used it in this recipe. It has a little different flavor, but it is not that different – I don’t see why it would not work. But I have not tried myself.

Welcome! I'm Erica ...wife, mother, and scientist, passionate about triathlons and pizza. Join me on my quest to enjoy all things food - both healthy and indulgent. After all, life is about balance right?